500 couples celebrate 25th, 50th anniversaries

Staring into each other's eyes as they did 25 years earlier, Irma and
Jose Flores repeated their vows at a special Mass celebrating marriage
Sunday morning at the Corpus Christi Cathedral.

"It's a renewal of our faith and vows and commitment, and we're
asking for strength for the years to come," said Jose Flores, 58,
smiling lovingly at his wife. "Hopefully, we'll make the 50th."

Some 500 married couples stood with clasped hands as Bishop Edmond
Carmody of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Corpus Christi presided over
the Anniversary Mass for Jubilarians. The Mass is celebrated each year
on World Marriage Day for all married couples, but particularly those
who have celebrated their 25th and 50th anniversaries.

"This morning, we reflect back 50 years ago, 25 years ago in a small
church ... when young ladies walked down the aisle and said 'I do' to
the person you were going to be with for the rest of your life,"
Carmody said to the parishioners crowding the Cathedral's pews.

During the Mass, Victor Hernandez, 40, and his wife, Melissa
Escobedo Hernandez, 38, exchanged loving glances, holding hands
occasionally while Carmody spoke. The two married 16 years ago after
having been high school sweethearts.

"We valued each other as much as you value yourself," Melissa
Escobedo Hernandez said about why their marriage was so strong. "When
you get mad, you have to think, 'What would I expect?' "

For the Floreses, it's their faith that holds them together, Irma
Flores said.

"What a wonderful commitment," Carmody said. "You love each other,
you care for each other, you forgive each other."